Tension Monitoring for bi-oriented plastic films

OEM for turnkey bi-oriented plastic film production lines relies on FMS to supply tension monitoring equipment.

FMS maintains a close relationship with the ESOPP Group via our French partner REPPLUS - S.A.S.
 

When it comes to producing and processing plastic films, web tension control is a key factor for best product quality and highest throughput. Especially when it comes to stretching of films a precise monitoring of the web tension is essential. As a specialist for simultaneous stretching (MD in machine direction, and TD in transversal direction) ESOPP is able to offer the most efficient machine type to their customers.

Simultaneous stretching

The concurrent stretching in both directions, MD and TD, offers several advantages over conventional sequential stretching technology. Minimal bowing effect near the film edges, the use of standard raw material or the quick set up of the film properties are just the most important ones. But this is only possible if the tension of the material is monitored precisely at all relevant process steps. 

Machine design and component selection

It is advantageous if the position of the force sensors in the later plant can be determined early on in the design process. The web path of the material, the associated wrap angles and the threshold values for the web tension to be measured are the basis for a proper design and selection of the respective force sensors. The mechanical integration into the system with electrical connection and possible service access are usually only determined towards the end of the design process, when all process parameters have been defined. Possible mounting variants or the corresponding mounting accessories can then be selected. The control system is designed in parallel to the mechanical design. This includes defining the requirements for data transmission from the force transducers to the machine control system. The desired machine performance and control selection determine whether, for example, pure analog signals or Ethernet communication is used. Close coordination between customer and supplier is essential throughout the entire selection and design process. 

Assembly and start-up

The installation of FMS force sensors is straight forward. Detailed installation instructions for all series with simple connection diagrams provide the machine builder with all the necessary information. Both the installation and the electrical connection to the measuring amplifier can be carried out by qualified personnel in a very short time. Integration into the control system is carried out by the I&C (instrumentation and controls) specialists. Of course, either our local partner REPPLUS or we are available to answer any questions at any time. 

ESOPP relies on our UMGZ-series pillow block force sensor for heavy duty applications and the universal LMGZ-series in the sizes 205 and 307 that cover a huge range of nominal force thus reducing the variants in stock. Their amplifers of choice are single or dual channel ethernet devices for easy integration in Ethernet/IP or PROFINET PLCs.

Learn more about our portfolio of force sensors.